Join the AU College Democrats and the AU School of Public Affairs' Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS) for Running Blue in a Swing State w/ Virginia Democratic candidate for Governor Tom Perriello. The discussion will be moderated by the Director of CCPS, Professor Candy Nelson. Join us on Wednesday, April 19th at 4PM in Ward 2.

This discussion will be centered around what it means to be a Democratic candidate in a swing state during the Trump era. With Virginia often switching parties in the governor's mansion following every term, this year's election to replace current Democratic Governor Terry McAullife is sure to be a nail-bitter. But with Donald Trump in the White House, will Democrats finally be able to buck the trend and maintain gubernatorial control over Virginia? Tom Perriello will discuss this and more about what the experience is like running for office and the reasons behind his decision to do. Students will have an opportunity hear directly from Mr. Perriello and ask questions about his experience.

Born and raised in Charlottesville, Tom Perriello has a track record of results fighting corruption, expanding economic fairness, and promoting reconciliation in conflict zones and communities back home. He has been a teacher, a non-profit executive, a Congressman, and a diplomat. Tom is the youngest of four children of Linda and Vito Perriello. His parents and his parish taught him the ethic of service and the value of a purpose-driven life.

Tom began his career working on environmental issues, and later helped to create and lead faith-based organizations working to reduce poverty, advance racial reconciliation, and address climate change.

The annual DC College Democrats Statewide Convention will be held on April 6, 2017 at American University. Join us for a recap of all that we've accomplished together this year, political oriented conversations, speakers and workshops, and for the election of the 2017-18 Executive Board.

Join us Thursday, March 23rd at 6pm in Ward 2 for the annual AU Dems Candidates Forum for AUSG.

This year, AU Dems will be endorsing AUSG candidates with the help of our members: we will be holding a candidates forum in which all candidates for all AUSG positions have been invited to participate. After the forum, members of AU Dems will vote on who they want AU Dems to endorse.

Those who would like to vote have to be members of AU Dems, as per membership guidelines, and this qualification will be checked before ballots are passed out. Those who are not qualified are still welcome to attend the forum in a non-voting capacity.

The results of our endorsement will be revealed via social media Friday, March 24th at 10am.

Have a question you want to ask the candidates? Submit them here: INSERT LINK HERE

AU Dems is so excited to partner with the Kennedy Political Union, the American Association of University Women, and the Women's Initiative to present Congresswoman Barbara Lee as our Women's History Month speaker. Join us on March 9th at 7pm in the Wechsler Theater (MGC 315) for our event: Women in the Trump Era.

In 1998, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was elected to serve California’s 9th congressional district (now the 13th) in a special election. In 2001, Congresswoman Lee received national attention as the only Member of Congress to oppose the authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) in the wake of the horrific events on September 11th. The Congresswoman believed this AUMF would become a blank check for endless war. As of 2013, this authorization had been used more than 30 times to engage in military action without Congressional oversight. Congresswoman Lee is working to repeal this blank check and restore Congress’s constitutional oversight to matters of war and peace. She was also an outspoken opponent of the Iraq War.

Congresswoman Lee has long advocated for legislative action to end poverty. In 2007, she worked with a diverse coalition of Members to create the Out of Poverty Caucus. In 2013, she became chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity. As chair, she leads more than 100 Members of Congress in crafting and advancing legislation to lift millions of American families out of poverty and into the middle class.

Since her time in the California legislature, Congresswoman Lee has been a fierce advocate for ending HIV and ensuring an AIDS-free generation. Since entering Congress, she has authored or co-authored every major piece of HIV/AIDS legislation including the legislative frameworks for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Congresswoman Lee’s legislation establishing a USAID special advisor for orphans and vulnerable children was enacted into law in 2009. In 2011, Congresswoman Lee formed the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, which she co-chairs.

Currently, Congresswoman Lee serves on the Budget Committee and the powerful Appropriations Committee, which oversees all federal government spending. She serves on three subcommittees (State and Foreign Operations; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs) of the Appropriations Committee. She is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (111th Congress) and co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (109th & 110th Congresses).

This event will give students an opportunity to speak with the Congresswoman about a range of issues surrounding the treatment of women in the Trump era. There will be a chance to ask questions and take pictures with Barbara Lee!

Doors open at 6:45PM. Seats are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

AU Dems is happy to partner with the Kennedy Political Union and the School of Communications to present Senator Chris Murphy for a special screening of the documentary "Newtown." Join us on January 31st in MGC 3-5 at 8pm for this incredible opportunity! Reserve tickets through Eventbrite to guarantee a seat.

"Newtown" is a touching documentary about the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. With never-seen-before testimonies filmed over the course of three years, this documentary gives audiences a firsthand view of Sandy Hook, showing how a fractured and traumatized community can rebuild. The story is moving and poignant, and is a must-see.

Senator Chris Murphy has represented Connecticut in the United States Senate since 2013. Prior to this, he represented Connecticut's 5th congressional district in the House of Representatives. Throughout his career, he has worked to promote accessible health care, gun safety, and sensible foreign policy. We are excited to have him with us to introduce the documentary, and can't wait to hear what he has to say.

Disclaimer: The film shares stories and experiences that might make people uncomfortable. Student are welcome to leave the room and decompress at any time if needed. If students require more help, the counseling center can be reached at this link: http://www.american.edu/ocl/counseling/